The real war - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

There’s more to the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) squabble than just Lito Puyat and Tiny Literal fighting for recognition as the legitimate President. It really isn’t a war between Puyat and Literal. It’s Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Celso Dayrit versus Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) President Go Teng Kok.

Literal wouldn’t be in the thick of the action if not for Go. If Go tells Literal to back off right this minute, Tiny would. That’s how influential Go is. He’s the power behind several National Sports Associations (NSAs) agitating for reform.

As for Puyat, the word is if he’s ultimately recognized as BAP President, he’ll serve for a few months then give way to a credible successor. Puyat’s choice is Philippine Long Distance Telephone Chairman Manny Pangilinan who incidentally, was voted BAP Chairman in the same POC-sanctioned elections that delivered a fresh mandate to good, old Spar. Puyat’s goal is to make sure the BAP is left in good hands.

Aside from Literal, Go’s allies include Graham Lim (who was BAP Secretary-General until the POC deigned to bless the recent elections that brought Puyat back on the throne and reinstalled Nic Jorge as Secretary-General), former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Popoy Juico, former national basketball team manager Dr. Fernando Carrascoso, former POC President Cristy Ramos, and the unsinkable Col. Julian Malonso.

Go is also supported by Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) President Carl Ching Men Ky of Hong Kong and ABC-Secretary-General Yeoh Choo Hock of Malaysia because of their common Chinese heritage. Go’s connections are strong. And he’s got the resources to fight a protracted war.

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Dayrit beat Go in the last POC polls and continues to enjoy the support of the majority of NSAs. Instead of shaking hands when the smoke of battle cleared, they remained poles apart. Dayrit has never trusted Go and preferred to ostracize him from POC affairs rather than win him over to his side.

Go was on Dayrit’s side when Ramos was ousted in a coup some years back. So a reconciliation isn’t a remote possibility. After all, they were once allies. However, it’ll take a lot of pride-swallowing to get them together again.

The mess that the BAP finds itself in could’ve been averted if only Dayrit and Go made peace after the POC elections.

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It’s sad that the future of Philippine basketball has been compromised because of a personal rift. Obviously, Go has the clout to make life difficult for Dayrit – surely, Dayrit must realize that by now. Go has fought Dayrit tooth and nail. When Dayrit recognized Puyat as BAP President, Go went to court and got a favorable ruling. Of course, the International Olympic Committee (OIC) considered it an outrage for a court to dictate on the POC. Government intervention is a mortal sin in the IOC’s eyes.

Go is clearly the aggressor in his battle to disparage Dayrit who’s largely been on the defensive. Sources close to Dayrit accuse Go of sowing intrigue among the NSAs to destabilize the POC and discredit the leadership. They call it "organized confusion."

Go is a streetfighter who could be Dayrit’s best friend or worst enemy. He’s after Dayrit’s scalp and that personal agenda has wrought havoc on Philippine sports – the BAP, being the first victim.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) suspension of the BAP was inevitable. The situation had become untenable, if not ridiculous. The POC recognizes Puyat as BAP President but the ABC recognizes Literal. The POC is affiliated to the IOC while the ABC is linked to the FIBA which in turn, is IOC-sanctioned.

Something’s got to give to break the lock.

PSC Chairman Butch Tuason has offered to mediate. POC Chairman Robert Aventajado is doing his bit, too. But until Dayrit and Go decide to end their personal war, no solution is in sight.